Americans from Haiti to come to NC

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January 21, 2010 2:34:31 AM PST

POPE AIR FORCE BASE --

Military sources tell ABC11 Eyewitness News that Pope Air Force Base has been designated as one of several central repatriation points, so thousands of Americans who've been in Haiti will come through the Air Force base.

However, military sources do not know when it will happen.

Officials say there were tens of thousands of Americans living in Haiti when the earthquake struck last week. Water is one of the greatest needs for earthquake survivors there.

Earlier this week, ABC11 flew along on a C-17 cargo jet as it airdropped supplies. Commanders say many more missions like that are planned.

Fort Bragg spokesman Colonel Steve Sicinski said the 18th Airborne Corp is the Army's only airborne unit so it's crucial to the aid effort. Also, C-17s can easily be rigged with tons of supplies and pallets to be dropped from the air. Those supplies will help keep Earthquake victims alive until more help can reach them.